The 30-year anniversary milestone was marked with a new appeal to raise funds for a new CT scanner.

Claire Strickland, chief executive and daughter of the centre's founder, said: “We do not receive any direct government funding, so we rely entirely on donations to fund our scanner replacement programme.

“This is why we desperately need continued support if we are to carry on giving our patients the very best diagnostic facilities.

“My father was incredibly proud of the centre and its achievements and I can think of no better tribute to his work than to mark our 30th anniversary by funding a new CT scanner".

The Duchess said: “I was honoured and grateful - on June 30 - to have the opportunity to meet patients and their families at the launch of the Scanner Centre's 30th Anniversary Appeal.”

After unveiling a commemorative plaque, HRH The Duchess of Kent toured the facilities and met some of the Centre’s staff.

She added:, “I am overjoyed to see the development of this extraordinary place since my last visit and to witness personally the very high quality standard of care to all the patients that come there for treatment.”